Kuffour looks forward to World Cup revenge against Nigeria

Hearts of Oak midfielder Emmanuel Kuffour told African Sport that Nigeria would find this Ghanaian team a tougher nut to crack.

"We have prepared well for what will be the third time we play Nigeria. This time we don't think it will be so easy for Nigeria."

Ghana didn't play well in the early group games according to most observers, although Kuffour disputes that after the last gasp victory over Burkina Faso to reach the quarter-finals.

"It's all about teamwork and all the players are playing well. We are so
determined which is why Nigeria will find it difficult."

He said the team had not despaired after Burkina Faso took the lead through Toure's free-kick and had themselves looked to be on a collision course to face Nigeria in Bamako on Sunday. "When burkina scored they started wasting time so we thought the referee would add on about five minutes which meant we could still make it."

One player who was not there to share in Boagye's two late strikes was Sammy Kuffour, arguably the team's most experienced player. Kuffour, no relation, says while his departure did upset the team they were determined to remain focussed on the job they still had to do.

When Emmanuel Kuffour takes the field on Sunday there is a special group of people he will be playing for. Those who lost their lives in the Ghana football tragedy when Hearts of Oak were playing.

"I feel bad that it happened. It was a bad thing that affected our game
because we did not feel like playing. Now we play for the people who died."

Nigeria beware.